On May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary became the first man to reach the top of Mount Everest. He was accompanied by his guide Tenzing Norgay.

A monumental feat! Everest 29,029 feet.

Many had tried before Hillary. None succeeded. A successful climb thought to be impossible. Today, a piece of cake.

They climb by the hundreds. Last year 807. Many at one time. More expected this year.

There is a picture taken this week floating about the internet. It shows an approximate quarter mile of climbers standing next to each other as they wait to make the last part of their ascent. The photo shows the climbers at the top and runs down vertically to those standing in deep snow and cold waiting to move forward.

The climb is as deadly today as when Hillary accomplished it in 1953. Climbers are subjected to lethal conditions. Primarily frostbite and altitude sickness.

Not all make it to the top. Not all make it back down. They die both on ascent and decent.This past week alone 10 have died. Male and female.

One man died while standing in line to make it to the top. The line had not moved in 12 hours. He died standing in place.

A dangerous sport! A true accomplishment!

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us. Parades, parties, cookouts, etc. A federal holiday. The purpose of Memorial Day to remember and honor those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Memorial Day always celebrated on the last monday in May.

Typically, the President on Memorial Day appears at Arlington Cemetery and places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Trump will not be there. Instead he is in Japan attending as he described it “a very big event.” Represented to him as bigger than the Super Bowl. The crowning of the new Emperor.

Trump will also be attending a banquet honoring the Emperor Naruhito.

In addition, the finale of Japan’s Grand Sumo Wrestling Tournament.

The trip more pleasure than official. Trump says some negotiating will go on re tariffs since he wants a better deal for the U.S.

I am going to get a lot of adverse mail. I believe Trump’s place on monday should be at Arlington Cemetery paying homage to those who died in the service of our country. It is the President’s place on Memorial Day. Those lying beneath the white crosses so perfectly lined might cause Trump to realize that they who lay beneath made it possible for him to stand there as President. I might also add that many who lie at Arlington died in our war with Japan.

It might also serve to make Trump think twice before he decides to commit American troops to another war on a foreign land. We are in 17 already. We do not need another.

Trump is AMERICA FIRST. His line. During the campaign and since. He must have forgotten.

Canadian blogger Ian Welsh in a recent article made 2 observations re Trump.

First, “The presence of Trump in the White House is an unprecedented emergency and an enormous support of anxiety, and real day to day stress.”

The other, “My way, or the highway to apocalypse.”

Love the last line.

Never made it out last night. Perhaps tonight.

Enjoy your day!

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Yesterday afternoon, Trump was surrounded by a few farmers and many Staff members and Cabinet officials. He dealt with 2 issues. One was berating Nancy Pelosi. The other announcing he was giving $16 billion to help farmers. Too little.

Last year, he provided $12 million. A drop in the bucket also. He made a big deal yesterday of the way less than adequate appropriation.

The farmers, especially midwest ones, are suffering, losing their farms, etc., because of the Trump’ inspired tariff war with China. Now he rides in like the man on the white charger to help those he has hurt the most.

China could literally kill the U.S. economy by selling off large chunks of U.S. Treasury bonds it holds. China is the U.S.’ biggest creditor outside Social Security. China holds $1.2 trillion of our Treasury bonds.

All is fair in love and war.

If China sells off all or a significant amount of the Treasury bonds, the U.S. would suffer big time. Woe would be us. Such would raise America’s borrowing costs, weaken the U.S. dollar, and plunge global markets into chaos.

China is handling its end of the tariff war simply. Beyond imposing its own tariffs, it has told its people not to buy Kentucky Fried Chicken. A big seller in China. If China follows up, the next step could be selling off large chunks of its U.S. Treasuries. If so, it will not only be the farmers suffering. The entire Nation will.

Trump appears to have met his match in Pelosi.

Trump did what can only be described as a stupid thing yesterday. He edited/altered a video of Pelosi speaking and tweeted it. The alterations included Pelosi stumbling over her words, stammering, and repeating herself.

Dirty play even for politics. A perfect example of fake news.

On this day in 1943, a new doctor arrived at Auschwitz. Joseph Mengle. He became known as the “Angel of Death.” He experimented on the inmates. Diabolical surgeries. Most the patients did not survive. It bothered Mengle not. It was all being done in the interest of science.

Another Angel of Death is on the scene today. One who has labeled himself the “Grim Reaper.” Proudly so. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

McConnell controls what gets to the Senate floor for debate and vote.

The House of Representatives have passed a multitude of bills which now sit on McConnell’s desk awaiting attention by the Senate. Bills affecting medical care, the climate, etc. All good things.

By sitting on them and not giving the bills an opportunity to be heard, McConnell is playing politics. Good for the Republican Party. Bad for all others. Not the way the game is supposed to be played.

McConnell is also thwarting Democratic proposals that he views as socialistic. They remain on his desk.

The man is relentless in the pursuit of political power over the good of the country.

He has promised he would continue such action if he were still Majority Leader following the 2020 election. At a recent speech in his native Nevada, McConnell said, “Let me be clear. I will be the Grim Reaper in the Senate when it comes to socialist schemes that would destroy jobs, private health insurance, and the free enterprise system.”

Trump has already begun his attack on “socialism.” It will be a major campaign issue in 2020. A false scenario is being presented: Socialists are Communists, progressivism is socialism. McConnell is carrying the President’s water.

The power of any nation is its people. Ultimately the people of the U.S. will recognize the damage being done to the U.S. by Trump, McConnell, and the Republican Party. A Democrat will be elected President and both Houses will be Democratic.

I hope.

I sense a storm rising. A growing unhappiness with Trump and his policies.

A measles update. The measles epidemic is world wide.

The Philippines have been hit hard. Since January, it has experienced 33,000 cases. Four hundred sixty six of that number have died.

The cause for the exceptionally high numbers in the Philippines is two-fold. The population has a general distrust of vaccines and a decline in routine childhood immunizations.

Stayed in again last night. Feeling better. Going out tonight. I need to be with people.

Enjoy your day!

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In 1965, the main ship channel off Key West was dredged to a depth of 35 feet. The first step in creating/building an island where one had not existed before. Fill then was used to create the island. One million one hundred thousand cubic yards.

There was a need for the island. The Navy required a fuel stowage facility. When completed and put to use, the new island was referred to as Tank Island. It so remained till 1994 when the Navy stopped using the island.

The island remained unused and uninhabited for several years. Except for some natives who illegally camped there and called it home.

Then Sunset Key came into being. A very special place. Private residences in the multi-million dollar range. Special guest cottages. And…..Latitudes!

Latitudes is one of the finest restaurants in the lower Keys. Perhaps the finest. Beautiful. Magnificent. A view to die for. Food superior. Service equal. Pricey. Worth every penny.

Reservations a definite.

Arriving at Latitudes an experience in itself. Sunset Key is 500 yards off Key West. Latitudes provides a boat to take its customers back and forth. A unique experience in itself.

Try Latitudes. You will love it!

Another doctor visit yesterday. My heart is good. Which leaves my problems somewhere in my trunk. We are down to the lower stomach.

I have been assured not cancer. Something screwed up, however.

The extreme tiredness has curtailed my night life. I probably needed a rest after all these years. However, I am anxious to return. I miss the Chart Room, my friends, and the acquaintances I am fortunate to make.

Trump continues to ignore Florida’s Panhandle. Financial support promised several times. Arrives in very small amounts. Accomplishes in effect nothing.

Mexico Beach is the smallest Panhandle community to have been hit by Hurricane Michael. A direct hit as a category 5 storm. Eighty percent of the buildings destroyed.

The people of Mexico Beach consider themselves “forgotten.” They have been, they are.

Trump has to put money where is mouth is. Talk is cheap. He should put up, must put up. He is treating Mexico Beach like Puerto Rico.

You can only hide things so long. Trump is finding that out.

Yesterday, a federal judge ruled the Deutsche Bank and Capital One banking records of the Trump family are subject to Congressional review. The subpoenas served are good and must be obeyed.

The noose is tightening. Trump will appeal. I doubt any appellate court will overturn yesterday’s decision.

China will fight the tariff war on all fronts. The nature of the Chinese people.

The Chinese government yesterday began a “boycott” of American goods. The people were told not to buy American products and to stop going to Kentucky Fried Chicken. KFC is big in China.

Pain on all fronts!

Michael Snyder is a national journalist. I enjoy his writings. He published one yesterday on the economy.

Snyder asked if the economy is so good, why are large U.S. corporations laying off thousands of workers?

Layoffs come with a recession. Trump tells us no recession. Best economy ever!

Snyder senses the country is already in recession. He believes the economy numbers that Trump relies on are not honest.

I wrote similarly two weeks ago. I claimed how can we rely on anything a person says who lies about every thing. Who refuses to provide his tax returns which probably will reflect financial chicanery.

Snyder wrote the corporations are letting workers go because of “a slower than expected 2019.”

He supports his position with Ford’s recent announcement it will be laying off 7,000. He further substantiates his position with the announced layoffs to come at other large corporations. Nestle 4,000, 3M 2,000, MGM Resorts 1,000. He also sets forth the announcement by Dressban that it is closing all of its 650 stores.

Enjoy your day!

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There is something else going on in Washington besides Congressional oversight of Trump. Government still goes on. Bills are passed by the House. At the present time, Trump, Pelosi and Schumer are scheduled to meet concerning the budget.

Re the budget, Trump announced yesterday if he does not get his wall, he will shut the government down. Monies for the wall have to be spelled out in the budget.

The man is crazy. Power crazy.

My podcast show last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I enjoyed doing the show. Great topics. Including Alabama and abortion, life in the 2040’s, Don McGahn’s lack of character, and Trump and the Lincoln Memorial.

Once a year, Key West replenishes the sand on its beaches. The operation this year begins today. Expected to take 2 weeks. Smathers Beach first.

This is nesting season for turtles. Their safety a concern. Volunteers each morning will walk the beaches to identify and mark new nests.

‘KONK Life’s E-Blast ran a series of photos of Marvin Keys these days. What a difference from when I use to frequent Marvin Key. Howard Livingston (before he became “Howard Livingston) used to take me out.

I have not been in 20 years. When I was a frequent visitor, my friends and I were generally alone. Sometimes, another boat or two, though rarely.

E-Blast’s photos this morning show the difference. Tons of boats.People enjoying.

Marvin Key was a secret when Howard took me. No more.

The shame of it all. The Farmers Market at Bayview Park is no more. I have not been able yet to find out why.

Many the thursday I would stop at Farmers Market. My purchases the same. Bread and tomatoes.

The Market always had a steady group of customers. I find it strange that it is no more.

Words of wisdom many times can be found in the Citizens Voice column of the Key West Citizen.

A gem this morning: “What did you people do to this island? It was like St. Barts in the ’70s. Quiet, friendly, no traffic, a laid back paradise. Now it reminds me of Tijuana. I hope you all got rich!”

A photo of a Great White Shark appears in both E-Blast and the Key West Citizen this morning. On this day in 1956, Captain Tony Lones caught the Great White. Weighed 2,300 pounds.

Big! Too big! Appeared it could swallow a person in one or two bites.

Think things are bad with Congress today? No way. Far worse in the 1850’s leading up to the Civil War.

In 1856, a Southern Congressman went onto the floor of the Senate. He beat a Northern Senator with his cane. The hot issue of the day was the continued observance of Kansas as a free state.

The caning a symbol of uncompromising hostility over an issue. Just like today.

China’s President XI recently said, “China is embarking on a new long march.” Such signaling no resolution to the tariff war with the U.S. in the near future.

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Yesterday another I remained in, except for visiting my primary care doctor. I am now his headache. Dr. McIvor found nothing wrong with my heart.

More blood work. Another test today.

I sometimes question the accuracy of my scale. Told me as of yesterday, I lost 9 pounds in 10 days. Doctor’s scale and his notes said the same thing.

The weight loss a false benefit.

Udders obviously have to do with cows. Came across a couple of interesting for real stories involving cows.

A Dutch veterinarian was trying to demonstrate to a farmer that his cows were passing too much gas. To make his point, he used a cigarette lighter to set fire to one of the cow’s farts.

The cow became a “four legged flamethrower.”

The cow ran around frantically setting fire to the hay bales in the barn. Fire spread. Barn burned down.

Damage $80,000.

No damage to the cow.

Another story involves kissing cows.

Last wednesday in Australia, authorities told the people to stop kissing cows. Even where tongues not used. Dangerous to the animals and humans for a number of reasons.

The cow kissing began as part of a charitable fundraiser. Labeled the “Cow Kiss Challenge.” Run simultaneously in Australia, Switzerland and Germany.

Remember Bum Farto? The Key West Fire Chief who was convicted in a drug case in 1976. The day he left home for Court to be sentenced, he disappeared. His car pulled out of his driveway. Something occurred in the street. Farto and the car no where to be seen.

A Jimmy Hoffa type thing.

To this day, the question arises: “Bum Farto, where are you?”

Why Bum Farto today? On this day in 1986, Bum Farto was declared legally dead. Many locals think he is not dead. Rather lying on a beach somewhere enjoying his ladies and drink.

Norberg Thomson one smart man.

Key West’s cigar industry was booming in the early 1900’s. Norberg saw an opportunity to enrich himself by participating. However instead of manufacturing cigars, he built a huge factory on Caroline Street to make cigar boxes The business locally competition free.

The construction of the building began this day in 1911.

Deutsche Bank in the news frequently these days. Trump and family did much business with the German bank. They partnered at a time when Trump could not find financing sources elsewhere because of the Atlantic City casino debacle where Trump’s corporations filed bankruptcy. The banks involved took huge losses and banks in general thereafter would not do business with him.

Deutsche and Trump are birds of a feather. Found each other to do business with. Both losers.

Deutsche has been in a death spiral since 2007. Deutsche’s stock dropped 39 percent the past 12 months. Sixty percent since January 2018.

Character. Some have it, some don’t. Hard to tell till a time arrives where character is called for.

Character constitutes the moral values of an individual. A thing that calls upon a person to do the right thing at the right time.

Don McGahn had his opportunity today to reflect his character. He failed.

He was subpoenaed to appear before a Congressional Committee. His attorneys advised yesterday he would not. Citing several reasons that in actuality carry no legal weight when applied to McGahn and the facts surrounding him and his testimony.

McGahn capitulated. He abided with Trump’s directive not to testify.

Trump has failed to bring jobs back from Europe. Only a minimal amount have returned.

Ford announced yesterday that it is eliminating 7,000 jobs globally. Ford’s North America plants will lose 2,300 of the jobs. The eliminated jobs will come from mid management.

In the U.S., 1,500 have already been let go. Five hundred more expected to be separated this week. The balance by September.

His 41 page decision reflected clearly his thinking. Best the following paragraph: “It is simply not fathomable that a Constitution that grants Congress the power to remove a President for reasons including criminal behavior would deny Congress the power to investigate him for unlawful conduct – past or present – even without formally opening an impeachment inquiry.”

Trump says he will appeal.

Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg appeared on a FOX News Town Hall. His presentation a success. Over the top. At the end of the Town Hall, the audience stood and applauded.

Mayor Pete would make an excellent candidate for President, except for one problem. The blacks do not support him. His being gay the problem.

The Democratic candidate cannot win without black support.

Can Buttigieg get the support?

A measles update.

Number of cases in the U.S. 880. Most of the new cases in New York City.

This year thus far has been the worst year for measles since the Centers for Disease Control declared in 2000 that measles had been eliminated in the U.S.

I enjoyed handwriting letters. Condolences, congratulations, a friendly note. Did so with some frequency till about 5 years ago. As my days became full with writing, etc. using a computer, time became precious. I now hand write probably 2 letters a year.

I still have engraved stationary, cards and envelopes with my name imprinted on each. Since the number of written messages has been drastically reduced, I doubt I shall never use them all.

Still under the weather. Remained in all day yesterday. Tired. Laid around.

I see my primary care physician this afternoon. My heart doctor thinks I have a virus. Whatever, primary care physician’s problem to identify and correct.

There is a benefit to illness. A mild one. I have lost 9 pounds in 10 days. Other than that, being sick is sick!

Watched the PGA from my bed yesterday. The last 9 holes exciting. Brooks Koepka the ultimate winner went into the last day with a 7 hole lead. In the middle of the back 9, it dropped to 1. Dustin Johnson had moved up dramatically.

In the end, Koepka won by 2 strokes.

I thought the golf course was a terrible one to play a major tournament on. Bethpage Black. Difficult for every player.

Two problems from my perspective. The second rough was 3 1/2 inches. Too deep. The quality of the player lost. If one got out with a decent shot, it was luck.

The second was the greens. The greens have small subtle swings. Slight. Difficult to see. More short putts were missed by all. Even the 2 leaders.

The quality of a player is not represented by those playing on such a course. Luck enters into it big time. A professional tournament should give the players the opportunity to use their skills without the necessity of having to play against the 2 problems mentioned.

Blue jeans! A million dollar market!

Not new. Been around almost 150 years.

On this day in 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis were given a patent to create work pants reinforced with metal rivets.

Millennials. Their time.

A significant problem faces them, however. Money. Especially for those near middle age.

Janet Adamy and Paul Overberg recently wrote in The Wall Street Journal that such millennials are “in worse financial shape than every preceding living generation and may never recover.”

They wrote, “Americans born between 1981 and 1996 have failed to match every other generation of young adults born since the Great Depression…..They have less wealth, less property, lower marriage rates and fewer children.”

The cause is the financial crisis and recession that started as they began their working lives.

We are told the U.S. is experiencing “the greatest economy ever.” If such is the case, why are 40 percent of Americans struggling to afford housing, utilities, food and health care?

John Deere is one of America’s oldest and most successful manufacturers of tractors and other farm equipment. John Deere announced this week it was slashing production.

The midwest is Deere’s strongest sales area. Midwest farmers are struggling big time as a result of the Chinese tariff war. The demand for new tractors is down. Deere expects demands to sink even more. Farmers are making do with their old Deere equipment.

Trump says he want to talk with Iran. After so speaking last week several times, Trump tweeted Iran would meet its “official end” if it fights the U.S. He also advised Iran “never to threaten the U.S. again.”

The man speaks with a forked tongue. He invites armed conflict. Some day it will happen. To the detriment of the U.S. as well as whoever the opponent might be.

Republican Congressman Justin Amish announced this past week that the “President engaged in impeachable conduct.”

Trump retaliated by calling Amish a “loser.” Trump calls everyone who opposes him a loser.

History will record Trump as the biggest loser of all time.

I close with Mahatma Gandhi. From his many words of wisdom…..In prayer it is better to have a heart without words than words without a heart.

There are references to coups. Donald Trump at a rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin described the Russian investigation as an attempted coup.

One definition of a coup is the sudden violent overthrow of an existing government by a small group. Chief prerequisite is control of all or a part of the military and police.

Another definition refers to a coup as an illegal, unconstitutional seizure of power by a dictator, the military, or a political faction.

A coup is known by several names. A coup d’etat, putsch, and golpe.

Two historical coups come to mind. The Beer Hall Putsch and the March On Rome. Both led by authoritative figures.

The Beer Hall Putsch was led by Adolph Hitler. On November 8-9, 1923. The Nazi Party under leader Adolph Hitler failed to seize power. Hitler sentenced to jail for his participation.

Ten years later, Hitler was involved in another coup. This one peaceful. Hitler was growing in power in Germany. Demonstrations were occurring. Hitler encouraging them. The politicians unable to control what was happening.

Victor Emanuel III capitulated. He appointed Hitler Prime Minister.

Hitler came to power in what is described as a peaceful coup. He was voluntarily handed the reins of government. The date January 30, 1933.

From day one, Joseph Goebbels worked hand in hand with Hitler. A fierce supporter. He was Hitler’s Minister of Propaganda from 1933-1945.

Skilled in public speaking, he was a virulent anti-Semitic. He strongly supported the extermination of Jews in the Holocaust.

The world’s vision of him was a thin unsmiling man who combed his hair straight back.

He died in the bunker one day after Hitler died by poisoning his 6 children, killing his wife, and then himself.

Benito Mussolini came to power as a result of the March on Rome in October 1922. Mussolini’s Fascist Party marched on Rome beginning on October 22. By October 29, the coup was accomplished. King Emanuel appointed Mussolini Prime Minister, thereby transferring political power to the Fascists without serious armed conflict.

Mussolini had a son in law. Galeazzo Ciano. Married Mussolini’s daughter Edna in 1930.

Ciano distinguished himself in 1936 in the war against Ethiopia. He was a bomber pilot.

Ciano was recognized as Mussolini’s right hand man and likely successor.

He was appointed head of the Foreign Ministry. A few years later, Mussolini removed him and took over the foreign ministry duties himself. Ciano was removed because of his anti-war attitude. The removal took place during the World War itself.

Stepping back a few years, Mussolini hated Hitler. Ciano did not. He pushed for an Italian alliance with Germany.

After France fell, Ciano convinced Mussolini to have Italy join Hitler in the war. Italy thereafter negatively distinguished itself by being defeated in Greece and North Africa.

Ciano’s thinking changed with the defeats. He wanted Mussolini to make a peace agreement with the Allies. Mussolini did not agree and fired him.

Ciano joined with other member of the government in an attempt to remove Mussolini from power. The coup failed.

Mussolini considered Ciano’s actions a betrayal. Ciano was forced to flee for his life. He went to northern Italy where he was captured by pro-fascist forces.

Mussolini had Ciano charged with treason. Ciano was executed in January 1944 on father in law Mussolini’s direct orders. Mussolini ordered the execution under pressure from Hitler.

History repeats itself.

Hitler had Goebbels, Trump has Stephen Miller. Miller is a Senior advisor to Trump for Policy.

Goebbel’s Jews are Miller’s immigrants. Miller is a hardliner regarding immigrants. He has been chief architect of Trump’s travel ban, the administration’s reduction of refugees accepted into the U.S., and the policy of separating migrant children from their parents.

Miller also has a tendency to lie. He has made false and unsubstantiated claims regarding widespread electoral fraud.

Trump has his son in law Jared Kushner in the White House. Mussolini had his son in law Ciano in his administration. Ciano worked very closely with his father in law, as does Kushner with his.

Could a coup occur in the U.S.? Possibly so.

Assume Trump loses the election in 2020. Especially if he loses in a close race. He might refuse to leave the White House because the election was rigged from his perspective. A man who fails to recognize the Constitution in other respects might take the position he is still President. His record to date does not make such a consideration improbable.

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Trump is one tough guy. If you are not with him, you are against him. Punishment in order. He has an I’ll teach you attitude.

The border problem is frustrating the hell out of him. Still working at getting the wall. Which will not be the cure all he believes.

The overflow at the borer is of his making. Migration from the south has been a U.S. problem for years. Most Presidents took steps to contain it. Trump thought he could solve it.

His efforts a dismal failure! U.S. border problems more serious than ever before.

Thousands clogging the southwestern entrances to the U.S. Trump has come up with a band aid solution. As with taking children from parents, it will backfire and have similar adverse consequences.

The President is vindictive. He must get even with those who do not support him.

Florida went with Trump in the 2016 election. He needs Florida to win again in 2020. Two Florida counties are Democratic strongholds. Palm Beach and Broward.

Note there are no sanctuary cities in Florida.

The President advised yesterday he is seriously considering dumping some detained migrants in both counties. Deliver them. Drop them off. Leave. No pre-planning. No food, lodging or other necessary resources.

In Trump’s mind, that will be punishing those who did not support him.

Mara-a-Lago is in Palm Beach County. Why “punish” Palm Beach County? Did the County raise taxes on Mar-a-Lago? Maybe his neighbors dislike him and he doesn’t care.

Whatever, the plan a terrible one. The migrants and both Counties will be hurt.

He and his wife repeat visitors to Key West. For a month early in the year.

While here, his wife paints. Spends time at the Studios of Key West. Robinson reads, wanders about town, and gives a lecture or two. I attended one earlier this year. The man speaks as well as he writes.

In a recent article, Robinson wrote there are many words to describe the Trump administration. One of the simplest is “dumb.”

An apt description.

Visited Dr. McIvor yesterday. My heart is good. Blood work and other tests fine. Not the cause of my tiredness.

It is back to my primary Doctor Norris monday. With the heart eliminated, now his problem.

In the meantime, my ass is dragging. It is only 9 in the morning and I am totally exhausted. Taking me longer to write than normal. Like digging ditches.

Showered, shaved and got out last night. Needed to get out no matter what. Can only spend so much time indoors.

I was tired when I left. Full of piss and vinegar when I returned. Amazing!

Stopped at the Chart Room before going to the movies. Did not drink. Can’t stand the taste of gin.

Chatted with my farmer friend from Illinois, Devin. He got his corn planted. Soy beans also. He has corn and soybeans stored on his farm from last year waiting for the China situation to be resolved. He hopes it will be before harvest time for the recent plantings. He is working on the come. No money till he sells what he grows.

Went to the movies! The new Regal.

First, the new theater. I liked it. The seats are terrific. You sit and the back reclines based on your weight. I went back about 6 inches. Comfortable. More leg room than is needed. I am tall. Leg room important.

The movie. Funny! Not heavy at all. Easy to watch and relaxing. The Long Shot. Starring Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen. I recommend it.

Trip Adviser reported the following. Though Key West is the top summer travel destination, Miami will save you money.

I have always suspected the same. I fear Key West at some point will lose the chicken that lays the golden egg.

Anniversary time. The USS Vanderbilt was flooded in Key West waters 10 years ago this month. Specifically, May 27.

A new reef created. Diving the big sport. Also utilized to hang underwater art, acts as a laboratory, and military training facility.

A new Key West museum. Sail to Rails. Sponsored by Historic Tours of America. Located at the Flagler Station, 901 Caroline Street.

This is PGA Week. The PGA. A major in the golf world.

Tiger Woods failed to make the cut. Played poorly. Surprising since he won the Masters 4 weeks ago.

Turns out Tiger intentionally did not play in those for weeks. Not at all, except 9 holes a few days before the PGA.

Everything was off.

I suspect Tiger may have been testing himself. To see how much he has really come back. The result no indication. Every golfer knows in order to maintain sharpness on the course you have to play and practice. Daily if you are a pro.

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Small though Key West may be, it provides many of the pleasures of a big city such as New York. Excellent theater, terrific restaurants, night life fun, historical places to visit, etc, etc., etc.

One difference, however. Key West persons are more friendly than New Yorkers. No disrespect. Just the way it is.

Another item of similarity are storefronts. Empty storefronts becoming more common. New Yorkers describe it as a brick and mortar meltdown.

It appears there are more empty stores on Duval than in recent years. High rents a contributing factor.

Manhattan is overloaded with vacant stores. Its prime retail area 57th to 72nd Street. More vacant stores this past year by 25 percent than the previous year.

What does this tell us? I am not sure. It could be the economy is not as good as we are being told.

Whatever, Key West is shoulder to shoulder with the Big Apple.

My day yesterday can only be described as lousy. Can’t stop being tired. Exhausted a better description. I should know more later today. Visit my heart doctor. One more test. Following which I sit with him and hopefully find out the cause.

I had prepared for the radio show with Laurie. Called her at 3 to advise I could not make it. Tired like you would not believe.

At 6, I was rejuvenated. The tiredness comes and goes. Swiftly both ways. I went out.

Chart Room first. Not enjoying booze at the moment. So I did not drink.

Jean Thornton has returned and I was happy to see her. One of the best people in the world!

Sheila and David at the bar also. Chatted with David a bit.

I have not been eating. Lost 7 pounds in 10 days. Decided to try eating.

Mary came by and we had diner together at Pier 1. Felt terrific after I ate.

Anyhow, may today be a good day information wise.

On the way home, I drove by the new sushi restaurant at Duval and Truman. Looked beautiful through the window. It sits where the former Denny’s was for years.

Construction of the Duval Pocket Park at the Atlantic end of Duval to start July 1. Will be a dining mall of sorts.

Great location. Should be a winner.

Devin a Key West friend. He is a farmer. He and his brother operate a farm in northwestern Illinois.

I know Devin from the Chart Room. He owns a home in Key West also.

I have previously spoken of him. He is getting killed financially! Soybeans his big product. Followed by corn and wheat.

Trump was his hero. No more. They can’t sell last year’s yield. They can’t plant this year even if they wanted too. The excessive rains have affected corn first. The seeding time has passed. More heavy rain expected.

Soybeans cannot be sold because of the China tariff war.

Two years ago, Illinois corn grown and sold was at 80 percent. This past year, down to 11 percent. Soybeans were 56 percent. Down to 4 percent.

We all will be affected by the farm problems. Demand will continue. There will be insufficient items available. Prices will go up. The law of supply and demand.

Same sex marriage. Few give it any thought these days. It was not so many years ago that same sex marriages were a no no.

Today is the anniversary of the first same sex marriage. The State Massachusetts. Two ladies married in 2004.

The world has changed in the last 50 years. Women are men’s equal. Legally and otherwise. They even can vote!

The new Alabama abortion law is a disgrace. The wives, girl friends, or maybe boy friends, of the 12 men who voted in favor of the abortion bill should be cut off from bedroom privileges. For life! The same period of time a woman or doctor who breaks the new law would be required to spend in jail.

Bothering me further is that the Governor of Alabama is a woman. Kay Ivey. She should know better.

The Alabama vote, Donald Trump shenanigans…..All make me feel like the U.S. is on a down hill slide. Rapidly and big time!

Yesterday was overall a pleasant day.

Started the morning with a heart test. I have another friday and then a sit down with Dr. McIvor to see if my heart is making me feel as I am. Next week, I meet with my primary care physician Dr. Norris to check out what his test results revealed.

I will probably be told nothing is wrong. Then, why do I feel like shit!

Then to Books & Books. Robert’s birthday. He’s into tennis big time. I decided to get him a book about tennis. Spent almost an hour picking one out. Various stories relating to tennis players, etc.

Hungry. No breakfast. To Harpoon Harry’s. Ate a huge breakfast. I have not been eating. Lost 7 pounds.

Discovered Robert has a girl friend. His first. Since December. Normal. Good for him.

The thing that excited Robert the most is that he can now get a learner’s permit as step one to getting a driver’s license.

Home directly from Lisa’s. Too tired to go out.

Tonight, I will be out. The radio show I do with Laurie from 4-5:30. Then to the Chart Room. I have not been drinking. Going to try one tonight.

I had mentioned to Mary the other night that my cleaning lady of 17 years had moved on. She also washed and did whatever ironing was necessary.

Mary showed up. She came to wash and iron.

Good girl! I was not even embarrassed.

She washed and dried 2 loads of clothes and ironed 12 shirts. Fortunate. I was down to my last clean shirt.

I am indebted.

The measles thing is getting out of hand. The numbers increase. Not only in the U.S. World wide. Bringing with the affliction other problems.

Anyone not vaccinated is at fault. Parents who failed to inoculate children at fault.

The orthodox Jewish population taking a hit. They apparently do not believe in vaccinations. Two geographic areas involved. Brooklyn and Rockland County, both in New York. The very orthodox live together in both areas. Measles rampant in both areas.

The group obviously anti-vaccine. Vocal about it.

A meeting was held this past week attended by hundreds. The Jews involved extremely agitated.

They view forcing vaccinations, etc. upon them as anti-Semitic. A 77 year old rabbi who survived the Holocaust was very vocal. Claimed Jews were being persecuted. He heard of a man on the streets of New York who was arrested for sneezing.

He was down on Mayor deBlasio. Referred to him as a “sneaky fellow” and a “closet German.”

I am distressed as a lawyer about a Harvard Law School incident.

Until this week, Ron Sullivan was Dean of the Law School. A respected attorney.

He has been representing Harvey Weinstein.

The students did not approve. Went crazy. “How could you defend such a person?” Several protests. The cry continued…..”How could you represent such a despicable character?”

Dean Sullivan has resigned.

A shame!

Harvard law students not understanding basic precepts of the law. Like a person is presumed innocent, everyone is entitled to a defense.

I would not want any of these soon to be lawyers representing me in any type litigation. They clearly do not understand the function of an attorney.

Washington attorney Edward Bennett Williams was the country’s foremost lawyer in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. A huge law firm. Represented major corporations and national criminal figures. Like Jimmy Hoffa.

His philosophy as to who to represent was simple: Does a doctor turn someone away because the person is too sick? Does a priest turn a person away because he is too much a sinner? A lawyer should not turn some one away because the person may be too much a criminal.

Makes sense.

These Harvard students don’t understand and never will. It is one of those things in your heart that makes you want to become a lawyer.